I am a Vietnam Era Veteran that served on board the "USS Wainwright CG28" in Charleston, S.C. I served under the command of Captain Ackerman, a most honorable man that I look up to this day even though he has long passed. To begin with, I was the "Guide On" for "Company 298" in boot camp, Chicago, Illinois, MT2 M.J. Fling. I carried the company flag during the review, January 14th, 1975, the first body in the formation, the "Guide On". I carried our flag with honor. We made "Color Company & I was & still am proud of what I did at age 17. I was then stationed on-board the ship aforementioned Guided Missile Cruiser at the age of 17. I was one of 8 men to welcome Vice President Rockefeller on board the 1976 International Naval Review & it seems to me that that is meaningless to whomever I tell this to. I was the "Helmsman" when we were strafed by a MIG & the Captain announced, "All Hands Man You Battle Stations, This Is Not A Drill. All Hands Man Your Battle Stations." I wished Captain Ackerman could say this happened to me. I have so much I want people to believe, the things that I have done & the reason I cry at movies like "Black Hawk Down". I tried for Navy Seals but was told I couldn't swim fast enough.